Why ARTSGALA?

In its 18-year history, ARTSGALA has raised more than $2.5 million to fund hundreds of scholarships for students in the fine and performing arts at Wright State University. Everyone benefits from this unique event. Sponsors and patrons join many community friends to enjoy a spectacular evening featuring the best Wright State has to offer in art, music, theatre, dance and motion pictures and the students benefit from the scholarships raised.

This scholarship money is crucial for our arts programs and students. The funds help departments attract and retain top-notch, talented students without whom we could not maintain our high caliber programs. The arts programs are rigorous and very demanding of students’ time. Many students are in class, training, and rehearsals all day long and have little time for outside employment. ARTSGALA Scholarships allow them to focus on studying and honing their craft rather than worrying about fully funding their education. This in turn lessens their cost burden and prepares them for employment success upon graduation.

Student Testimonials

Alexis Lyman, Art

"When I arrived at Wright State University as a transfer student, I had no idea how great the art department was, and it was there where I learned to really enjoy sculpting. The ARTSGALA Scholarship that I received helped add to the library of art books and tools that I have been collecting over the years. Many thanks to the donors - your gifts mean so much to Wright State students!"

Kailyn Mack, Dance Alumna '16

"My ARTSGALA Scholarship is helping me further my dreams. I'm so thankful that someone cared enough for me and my education to support me throughout my college career. Thank You!"

Jeremy Aldridge, Music

"I cannot be happier with the opportunities Wright State has to offer. The generous contributions made through ARTSGALA have made a huge difference in my life and the lives of so many other fine and performing arts students. Thank you!"

Ellen Bukvic, Art Alumna ‘15

"When I arrived at Wright State University as a transfer student, I had no idea how great the art department was, and it was there where I learned to really enjoy sculpting. The ARTSGALA Scholarship that I received helped add to the library of art books and tools that I have been collecting over the years. Many thanks to the donors - your gifts mean so much to WSU students!"

Terrell Reggins, Theatre Studies

"Receiving the ARTSGALA Scholarship was an amazing blessing. It gave my confidence to keep performing. Being at Wright State has given me a platform to express myself in ways that have helped me grow as an artist. I now have the tools to take with me into the real world, and for that I'm grateful."

Jonathan Jacky, Music

"I cannot be happier with the opportunities Wright State has to offer. The generous contributions made through ARTSGALA have made a huge difference in my life and the lives of so many other fine and performing arts students. Thank you!"

Megan Spencer, Art Alumna ‘13

“Receiving the ARTSGALA scholarship during my time at Wright State was a beautiful gift. The support was inspiring, pushing me to excel academically and artistically. I would like to thank the ARTSGALA community for their generosity and their investment in me.”

Jasmine Easler, Acting

“I came to Wright State setting out to become the best artist that I could be. I knew I had talent and passion, but I needed a place where my gifts could be strengthened by quality training. Here I was met by incredible teachers and amazingly talented students who inspire me daily and give me tools to perfect my craft. This encouraging environment draws greatness out of anyone with a dream, and the ARTSGALA scholarships gives us the support we need to grow and thrive. Thank you!”

Stephen Monath, Music

“It took me over a year to decide to come to Wright State, but when I did, it was clear that I had made the right choice. Being awarded the ARTSGALA scholarship was the first of many game-changing moments for me here at WSU and such an unbelievably motivating and empowering experience! I am forever grateful for the people who make it possible.”

Regina Villaver, Theatre Alumna ’13

“I knew from the moment I stepped onto campus that Wright State was where I was meant to be. In my short time there I learned continuously, discovered beauty in all the forgotten places, and grew more than I ever believed possible for myself. I’ve always dreamed of pursuing a career in theatre. With support from ARTSGALA I was able to make my dream a reality. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you give and for changing my life!”

Ross Hale, Art Alumnus ’13

“I am grateful to be part of such a supportive arts community. I was honored to be selected as an ARTSGALA Scholarship recipient during my time at Wright State. Receiving this support was not only encouraging but also very rewarding as it allowed me to be more focused on my art.”

Kylene Griffith Terhune, Music Alumna ’13

"Being accepted to Wright State was very exciting for me. Receiving the ARTSGALA scholarship meant even more, because it felt like I was being told "You can do it, we have faith in you." It was a great help and encouragement to me throughout my time at Wright State and I am so thankful for the opportunities it provided me."

Lawrence Dunford, Theatre '15

“Sowing seeds of hope and belief in one’s gift is so important and forms greater generations to come. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Stephanie McEnery, Art Alumna ‘11

“The ARTSGALA scholarship is a great opportunity for WSU students to engage in their talents and worry a little less about financial troubles. By receiving my ARTSGALA scholarship my senior year, I was able to focus more energy and creative mind to my studio work. I am very thankful for ARTSGALA, I can’t wait to attend and give back.”

Joel Thompson, Music Alumnus ‘12

“The ARTSGALA scholarship had a significant impact on my education, and not just by easing the financial burden, the event itself gave me the opportunity to meet and perform for people who genuinely care about the arts in Dayton. To those who have attended the event, thank you so much for your encouragement and support through my education at Wright State.”

Scholarship Testimonials

We asked some of our arts alumni what receiving the ARTSGALA scholarship meant to them, and here is what they had to say:

“I came to Wright State setting out to become the best artist that I could be. I knew I had talent and passion, but I needed a place where my gifts could be strengthened by quality training. Here I was met by incredible teachers and amazingly talented students who inspire me daily and give me tools to perfect my craft. This encouraging environment draws greatness out of anyone with a dream, and the ARTSGALA scholarships gives us the support we need to grow and thrive. Thank you!”

“It took me over a year to decide to come to Wright State, but when I did, it was clear that I had made the right choice. Being awarded the ARTSGALA scholarship was the first of many game-changing moments for me here at WSU and such an unbelievably motivating and empowering experience! I am forever grateful for the people who make it possible.”

“Receiving the ARTSGALA scholarship during my time at Wright State was a beautiful gift. The support was inspiring, pushing me to excel academically and artistically. I would like to thank the ARTSGALA community for their generosity and their investment in me.”

“Receiving an ARTSGALA scholarship was wonderful because it allowed me to bring my education to the forefront. It’s the gift that allowed me to singularly focus on reaching my goals.”

“As an independent student supporting myself, paying full tuition and attending classes full time was difficult, but the ARTSGALA scholarship freed me from enough of the financial burden to concentrate on my studies, and even excel at them.”

“Receiving the ARTSGALA scholarship was an affirmation that I was on the right track in choosing to continue my art education.”

“I was the first person in my entire family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. My parents worked hard to give us everything we had, so it was very gratifying to receive an ARTSGALA scholarship based on my musical talent.”

"ARTSGALA scholarship meant opportunity to me! I now get the opportunity to spread such an attitude of unselfish compassion with today’s young people, as I stand before them and share my incredible love for music.”

Success Stories

ARTSGALA scholarships allow our students to graduate with fewer student loans, a big concern in today’s society. They allow them to focus more time and energy to honing their craft, which gives them more opportunities for success upon graduation. Here are just a few success stories of our recent ARTSGALA graduates:

Andrew Dailey, 2005 Bachelor of Fine Arts: After WSU, Andrew went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree from Miami University in 2009. In 2011, he was honored with an Individual Excellence Award from the Ohio Arts Council. Andrew continues to create art and actively exhibit on a regional and national level and is currently working as the Cultural Arts Program Supervisor for City of Kettering at Rosewood Arts Centre in Kettering, Ohio.

Emily Hiltner, 2014 Music Performance (Oboe) and Music History: Emily is currently working on her master’s degree at the University of Oklahoma in oboe performance.

Jason Hardwick, 2006 BFA in Motion Picture Production: Jason is currently living in Los Angeles, where he is an editor for the Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman produced show, The EIGHTIES, for CNN. This is the third season of the show that Jason has worked on, which began with the Emmy-nominated, The SIXTIES.